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Paired related homeobox 1 (PRRX1) is an inducer of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in different types of cancer cells. We detected low PRRX1 expression in nevus but increased levels in primary human melanoma and cell lines carrying the BRAFV600E mutation. High expression of PRRX1 correlates with invasiveness and enrichment of genes belonging to the EMT programme. Conversely, we found that loss of PRRX1 in metastatic samples is an independent prognostic predictor of poor survival for melanoma patients. Here, we show that stable depletion of PRRX1 improves the growth of melanoma xenografts and increases the number of distant spontaneous metastases, compared to controls. We provide evidence that loss of PRRX1 counteracts the EMT phenotype, impairing the expression of other EMT-related transcription factors, causing dysregulation of the ERK and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways, and abrogating the invasive and migratory properties of melanoma cells while triggering the up-regulation of proliferative/melanocytic genes and the expression of the neural-crest-like markers nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR; also known as neurotrophin receptor p75NTR) and neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM). Overall, our results indicate that loss of PRRX1 triggers a switch in the invasive programme, and cells de-differentiate towards a neural crest stem cell (NCSC)-like phenotype that accounts for the metastatic aggressiveness.
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Liver fibrosis is the consequence of chronic liver injury in the presence of an inflammatory component. Although the main executors of this activation are known, the mechanisms that lead to the inflammatory process that mediates the production of pro-fibrotic factors are not well characterized. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in hepatocytes is essential for the regenerative processes of the liver; however, its potential role in regulating the fibrotic niche is not yet clear. Our group generated a mouse model that expresses an inactive truncated form of the EGFR specifically in hepatocytes (ΔEGFR mice). Here, we have analyzed the response of WT and ΔEGFR mice to chronic treatment with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), which induces a pro-inflammatory and fibrotic process in the liver. The results indicated that the hallmarks of liver fibrosis were attenuated in CCl4-treated ΔEGFR mice when compared with CCl4-treated WT mice, coinciding with a faster resolution of the fibrotic process and ameliorated damage. The absence of EGFR activity in hepatocytes induced changes in the pattern of immune cells in the liver, with a notable increase in the population of M2 macrophages, more related to fibrosis resolution, as well as in the population of lymphocytes related to eradication of the damage. Transcriptome analysis of hepatocytes, and secretome studies of extracellular media from in vitro experiments, allowed us to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms regulated by EGFR that mediate hepatocyte production of both pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory mediators; these have consequences for the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, as well as for the immune microenvironment. Overall, our study uncovered novel mechanistic insights regarding EGFR kinase-dependent actions in hepatocytes that reveal its key role in chronic liver damage. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Tetracloruro de Carbono , Receptores ErbB , Hepatocitos , Transducción de Señal , Animales , Receptores ErbB/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/patología , Hígado/patología , Hígado/metabolismo , Cirrosis Hepática/metabolismo , Cirrosis Hepática/patología , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Masculino , Comunicación Celular , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/patología , Ratones TransgénicosRESUMEN
The NADPH oxidase NOX4 has been proposed as necessary for the apoptosis induced by the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-ß) in hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, whether NOX4 is required for TGF-ß-induced canonical (SMADs) or non-canonical signals is not fully understood yet, neither its potential involvement in other parallel actions induced by TGF-ß. In this work we have used CRISPR Cas9 technology to stable attenuate NOX4 expression in HCC cells. Results have indicated that NOX4 is required for an efficient SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in response to TGF-ß, whereas non-canonical signals, such as the phosphorylation of the Epidermal Growth Receptor or AKT, are higher in NOX4 silenced cells. TGF-ß-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation and viability is attenuated in NOX4 silenced cells, correlating with decreased response in terms of apoptosis, and maintenance of high expression of MYC and CYCLIN D1. These results would indicate that NOX4 is required for all the tumor suppressor actions of TGF-ß in HCC. However, analysis in human HCC tumors has revealed a worse prognosis for patients showing high expression of TGF-ß1-related genes concomitant with high expression of NOX4. Deepening into other tumorigenic actions of TGF-ß that may contribute to tumor progression, we found that NOX4 is also required for TGF-ß-induced migratory effects. The Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) program does not appear to be affected by attenuation of NOX4 levels. However, TGF-ß-mediated regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics and focal adhesions require NOX4, which is necessary for TGF-ß-induced increase in the chaperone Hsp27 and correct subcellular localization of Hic-5 within focal adhesions, as well for upregulation of the metalloprotease MMP9. All these results together point to NOX4 as a key element in the whole TGF-ß signaling in HCC cells, revealing an unknown role for NOX4 as tumor promoter in HCC patients presenting activation of the TGF-ß pathway.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Humanos , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/genética , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , NADPH Oxidasas/genética , NADPH Oxidasas/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta , Neoplasias Hepáticas/genética , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , NADPH Oxidasa 4/genética , NADPH Oxidasa 4/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The NADPH oxidase NOX4 plays a tumor-suppressor function in HCC. Silencing NOX4 confers higher proliferative and migratory capacity to HCC cells and increases their in vivo tumorigenic potential in xenografts in mice. NOX4 gene deletions are frequent in HCC, correlating with higher tumor grade and worse recurrence-free and overall survival rates. However, despite the accumulating evidence of a protective regulatory role in HCC, the cellular processes governed by NOX4 are not yet understood. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to better understand the molecular mechanisms regulated by NOX4 in HCC in order to explain its tumor-suppressor action. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Experimental models: cell-based loss or gain of NOX4 function experiments, in vivo hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine in Nox4 -deficient mice, and analyses in human HCC samples. Methods include cellular and molecular biology analyses, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, as well as histological and immunohistochemical analyses in tissues. Results identified MYC as being negatively regulated by NOX4. MYC mediated mitochondrial dynamics and a transcriptional program leading to increased oxidative metabolism, enhanced use of both glucose and fatty acids, and an overall higher energetic capacity and ATP level. NOX4 deletion induced a redox imbalance that augmented nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity and was responsible for MYC up-regulation. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of NOX4 in HCC tumor cells induces metabolic reprogramming in a Nrf2/MYC-dependent manner to promote HCC progression.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Humanos , Ratones , Animales , NADPH Oxidasas/metabolismo , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/genética , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/genética , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , NADPH Oxidasa 4/genética , NADPH Oxidasa 4/metabolismo , Oxidación-Reducción , Homeostasis , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismoRESUMEN
The Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-ß) pathway plays essential roles in liver development and homeostasis and become a relevant factor involved in different liver pathologies, particularly fibrosis and cancer. The family of NADPH oxidases (NOXs) has emerged in recent years as targets of the TGF-ß pathway mediating many of its effects on hepatocytes, stellate cells and macrophages. This review focuses on how the axis TGF-ß/NOXs may regulate the biology of different liver cells and how this influences physiological situations, such as liver regeneration, and pathological circumstances, such as liver fibrosis and cancer. Finally, we discuss whether NOX inhibitors may be considered as potential therapeutic tools in liver diseases.
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Hígado/metabolismo , NADPH Oxidasas/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Animales , Humanos , Cirrosis Hepática/metabolismo , Regeneración Hepática/fisiología , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/fisiologíaRESUMEN
(1) Background: The transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß plays a dual role in liver carcinogenesis. At early stages, it inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis. However, TGF-ß expression is high in advanced stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cells become resistant to TGF-ß induced suppressor effects, responding to this cytokine undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to cell migration and invasion. Metabolic reprogramming has been established as a key hallmark of cancer. However, to consider metabolism as a therapeutic target in HCC, it is necessary to obtain a better understanding of how reprogramming occurs, which are the factors that regulate it, and how to identify the situation in a patient. Accordingly, in this work we aimed to analyze whether a process of full EMT induced by TGF-ß in HCC cells induces metabolic reprogramming. (2) Methods: In vitro analysis in HCC cell lines, metabolomics and transcriptomics. (3) Results: Our findings indicate a differential metabolic switch in response to TGF-ß when the HCC cells undergo a full EMT, which would favor lipolysis, increased transport and utilization of free fatty acids (FFA), decreased aerobic glycolysis and an increase in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. (4) Conclusions: EMT induced by TGF-ß in HCC cells reprograms lipid metabolism to facilitate the utilization of FFA and the entry of acetyl-CoA into the TCA cycle, to sustain the elevated requirements of energy linked to this process.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal/efectos de los fármacos , Metabolismo de los Lípidos/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Metaboloma/efectos de los fármacos , Transcriptoma/efectos de los fármacos , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/farmacología , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/genética , Silenciador del Gen , Células Hep G2 , Humanos , Metaboloma/genética , Metabolómica , Mitocondrias/efectos de los fármacos , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Fosforilación Oxidativa/efectos de los fármacos , Receptores de Factores de Crecimiento Transformadores beta/genética , Receptores de Factores de Crecimiento Transformadores beta/metabolismo , Transcriptoma/genéticaRESUMEN
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) generally presents a low avidity for 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG) in PET/CT although an increased FDG uptake seems to relate to more aggressive biological factors. To define the prognostic value of PET/CT with FDG in patients with an HCC scheduled for a tumor resection, forty-one patients were prospectively studied. The histological factors of a poor prognosis were determined and FDG uptake in the HCC lesions was analyzed semi-quantitatively (lean body mass-corrected standardized uptake value (SUL) and tumor-to-liver ratio (TLR) at different time points). The PET metabolic parameters were related to the histological characteristics of the resected tumors and to the evolution of patients. Microvascular invasion (MVI) and a poor grade of differentiation were significantly related to a worse prognosis. The SULpeak of the lesion 60 min post-FDG injection was the best parameter to predict MVI while the SULpeak of the TLR at 60 min was better for a poor differentiation. Moreover, the latter parameter was also the best preoperative variable available to predict any of these two histological factors. Patients with an increased TLRpeak60 presented a significantly higher incidence of poor prognostic factors than the rest (75% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.005) and a significantly higher incidence of recurrence at 12 months (38% vs. 0%, p = 0.014). Therefore, a semi-quantitative analysis of certain metabolic parameters on PET/CT can help identify, preoperatively, patients with histological factors of a poor prognosis, allowing an adjustment of the therapeutic strategy for those patients with a higher risk of an early recurrence.
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BACKGROUND & AIMS: Upon ligand binding, tyrosine kinase receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), are recruited into clathrin-coated pits for internalization by endocytosis, which is relevant for signalling and/or receptor degradation. In liver cells, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) induces both pro- and anti-apoptotic signals; the latter are mediated by the EGFR pathway. Since EGFR mainly traffics via clathrin-coated vesicles, we aimed to analyse the potential role of clathrin in TGF-ß-induced signalling in liver cells and its relevance in liver cancer. METHODS: Real-Time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyse clathrin heavy-chain expression in human (CLTC) and mice (Cltc) liver tumours. Transient knockdown (siRNA) or overexpression of CLTC were used to analyse its role on TGF-ß and EGFR signalling in vitro. Bioinformatic analysis was used to determine the effect of CLTC and TGFB1 expression on prognosis and overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS: Clathrin expression increased during liver tumorigenesis in humans and mice. CLTC knockdown cells responded to TGF-ß phosphorylating SMADs (canonical signalling) but showed impairment in the anti-apoptotic signals (EGFR transactivation). Experiments of loss or gain of function in HCC cells reveal an essential role for clathrin in inhibiting TGF-ß-induced apoptosis and upregulation of its pro-apoptotic target NOX4. Autocrine TGF-ß signalling in invasive HCC cells upregulates CLTC expression, switching its role to pro-tumorigenic. A positive correlation between TGFB1 and CLTC was found in HCC cells and patients. Patients expressing high levels of TGFB1 and CLTC had a worse prognosis and lower overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: This work describes a novel role for clathrin in liver tumorigenesis, favouring non-canonical pro-tumorigenic TGF-ß pathways. CLTC expression in human HCC samples could help select patients that would benefit from TGF-ß-targeted therapy. LAY SUMMARY: Clathrin heavy-chain expression increases during liver tumorigenesis in humans (CLTC) and mice (Cltc), altering the cellular response to TGF-ß in favour of anti-apoptotic/pro-tumorigenic signals. A positive correlation between TGFB1 and CLTC was found in HCC cells and patients. Patients expressing high levels of TGFB1 and CLTC had a worse prognosis and lower overall survival. CLTC expression in HCC human samples could help select patients that would benefit from therapies targeting TGF-ß.
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Carcinogénesis/genética , Cadenas Pesadas de Clatrina/genética , Cadenas Pesadas de Clatrina/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Animales , Apoptosis/genética , Línea Celular Tumoral , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Humanos , Estimación de Kaplan-Meier , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pronóstico , ARN Interferente Pequeño , TransfecciónRESUMEN
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-ß) are key regulators of hepatocarcinogenesis. Targeting EGFR was proposed as a promising therapy; however, poor success was obtained in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinical trials. Here, we describe how EGFR is frequently downregulated in HCC patients while TGF-ß is upregulated. Using 2D/3D cellular models, we show that after EGFR loss, TGF-ß is more efficient in its pro-migratory and invasive effects, inducing epithelial to amoeboid transition. EGFR knock-down promotes loss of cell-cell and cell-to-matrix adhesion, favouring TGF-ß-induced actomyosin contractility and acquisition of an amoeboid migratory phenotype. Moreover, TGF-ß upregulates RHOC and CDC42 after EGFR silencing, promoting Myosin II in amoeboid cells. Importantly, low EGFR combined with high TGFB1 or RHOC/CDC42 levels confer poor patient prognosis. In conclusion, this work reveals a new tumour suppressor function for EGFR counteracting TGF-ß-mediated epithelial to amoeboid transitions in HCC, supporting a rational for targeting the TGF-ß pathway in patients with low EGFR expression. Our work also highlights the relevance of epithelial to amoeboid transition in human tumours and the need to better target this process in the clinic.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/genética , Regulación hacia Abajo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Adhesión Celular , Línea Celular Tumoral , Movimiento Celular , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Receptores ErbB/genética , Receptores ErbB/metabolismo , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Técnicas de Silenciamiento del Gen , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Modelos Biológicos , Pronóstico , Transducción de SeñalRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The NADPH oxidase (NOX) 4 is an important source of ROS in signal transduction that acts as a liver tumor suppressor. Transforming Growth Factor ß (TGF-ß) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) pathways are involved in the modulation of NOX4 expression. Data showed that recurrent protein deprivation induces changes distinctive of a preneoplastic profile. However, the mechanisms underneath these changes have not been completely understood. METHODS: Hepatocytes that survived to the lack of amino acids (Aa) (Sel line) were cultured in complete or Aa free medium. We elucidated the molecular mechanisms that support such preneoplastic alterations employing biochemical and molecular biology assays. RESULTS: Sel line showed increased phospho-AKT and phospho-ERKs levels, diminished caspase-3 activity, augmented cell proliferation and overactivation of EGFR pathway, reminiscent of a preneoplastic phenotype. NOX4 was upregulated in these cells by TGF-ß canonical pathway, however ROS levels were not found increased as a result of an increment of antioxidant enzymes. Inhibition of TGF-ß receptor diminished NOX4 and strikingly, after EGFR inhibition, NOX4 levels also decreased. Therefore, both TGF-ß and EGFR pathways are shown to be involved in the upregulation of NOX4 in Sel line. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides novel results regarding to the regulation of NOX4 in the preneoplastic transformation of hepatocytes in the absence of Aa, in the context of TGF-ß and EGFR pathways. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms whose deregulation ultimately causes Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) are essential to prevent it and to design diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools.
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Aminoácidos/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , NADPH Oxidasa 4/metabolismo , Animales , Células Cultivadas , Ratones , NADPH Oxidasa 4/genéticaRESUMEN
Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-ß) induces tumor cell migration and invasion. However, its role in inducing metabolic reprogramming is poorly understood. Here we analyzed the metabolic profile of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells that show differences in TGF-ß expression. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), metabolomics and transcriptomics were performed. Results indicated that the switch from an epithelial to a mesenchymal/migratory phenotype in HCC cells is characterized by reduced mitochondrial respiration, without significant differences in glycolytic activity. Concomitantly, enhanced glutamine anaplerosis and biosynthetic use of TCA metabolites were proved through analysis of metabolite levels, as well as metabolic fluxes from U-13C6-Glucose and U-13C5-Glutamine. This correlated with increase in glutaminase 1 (GLS1) expression, whose inhibition reduced cell migration. Experiments where TGF-ß function was activated with extracellular TGF-ß1 or inhibited through TGF-ß receptor I silencing showed that TGF-ß induces a switch from oxidative metabolism, coincident with a decrease in OCR and the upregulation of glutamine transporter Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 5 (SLC7A5) and GLS1. TGF-ß also regulated the expression of key genes involved in the flux of glycolytic intermediates and fatty acid metabolism. Together, these results indicate that autocrine activation of the TGF-ß pathway regulates oxidative metabolism in HCC cells.
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Glucólisis/efectos de los fármacos , Hepatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Fosforilación Oxidativa/efectos de los fármacos , Consumo de Oxígeno/efectos de los fármacos , Transcriptoma , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/farmacología , Comunicación Autocrina , Línea Celular Tumoral , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Ácidos Grasos/metabolismo , Glucosa/metabolismo , Glucosa/farmacología , Glutaminasa/genética , Glutaminasa/metabolismo , Glutamina/metabolismo , Glutamina/farmacología , Glucólisis/genética , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/patología , Humanos , Transportador de Aminoácidos Neutros Grandes 1/genética , Transportador de Aminoácidos Neutros Grandes 1/metabolismo , Metaboloma , Consumo de Oxígeno/genética , Receptor Tipo I de Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/antagonistas & inhibidores , Receptor Tipo I de Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/genética , Receptor Tipo I de Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/metabolismoRESUMEN
The European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) provides an ideal framework to establish multi-disciplinary research networks. COST Action BM1203 (EU-ROS) represents a consortium of researchers from different disciplines who are dedicated to providing new insights and tools for better understanding redox biology and medicine and, in the long run, to finding new therapeutic strategies to target dysregulated redox processes in various diseases. This report highlights the major achievements of EU-ROS as well as research updates and new perspectives arising from its members. The EU-ROS consortium comprised more than 140 active members who worked together for four years on the topics briefly described below. The formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) is an established hallmark of our aerobic environment and metabolism but RONS also act as messengers via redox regulation of essential cellular processes. The fact that many diseases have been found to be associated with oxidative stress established the theory of oxidative stress as a trigger of diseases that can be corrected by antioxidant therapy. However, while experimental studies support this thesis, clinical studies still generate controversial results, due to complex pathophysiology of oxidative stress in humans. For future improvement of antioxidant therapy and better understanding of redox-associated disease progression detailed knowledge on the sources and targets of RONS formation and discrimination of their detrimental or beneficial roles is required. In order to advance this important area of biology and medicine, highly synergistic approaches combining a variety of diverse and contrasting disciplines are needed.
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Cooperación Internacional , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Animales , Unión Europea , Humanos , Biología Molecular/organización & administración , Biología Molecular/tendencias , Oxidación-Reducción , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/química , Transducción de Señal , Sociedades CientíficasRESUMEN
As part of its potential pro-tumorigenic actions, Transforming Growth Factor-(TGF)-ß induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Whether EMT induces changes in tumor cell plasticity has not been fully explored yet. Here, we analyze the effects of TGF-ß on the EMT and stem-related properties of HCC cells and the potential correlation among those processes. The translational aim of the study was to propose a TGF-ß/EMT/stem gene signature that would help in recognizing HCC patients as good candidates for anti-TGF-ß therapy. Results indicate that when TGF-ß induces EMT in HCC cells, a switch in the expression of stem genes is observed and their stemness potential and migratory/invasive capacity are enhanced. However, TGF-ß may induce a partial EMT in some epithelial HCC cells, increasing the expression of mesenchymal genes and CD44, but maintaining epithelial gene expression. Epithelial cells show higher stemness potential than the mesenchymal ones, but respond to TGF-ß increasing their migratory and invasive capacity. In HCC patient samples, TGFB1 expression most frequently correlates with a partial EMT, increase in mesenchymal genes and CD44 expression, as well as maintenance or over-expression of epithelial-related genes.
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Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular , Plasticidad de la Célula , Células Epiteliales/metabolismo , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/metabolismo , Células Madre Neoplásicas/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/farmacología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/genética , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Plasticidad de la Célula/efectos de los fármacos , Células Epiteliales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Epiteliales/patología , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal/efectos de los fármacos , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica/métodos , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Humanos , Receptores de Hialuranos/genética , Receptores de Hialuranos/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/genética , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/patología , Invasividad Neoplásica , Células Madre Neoplásicas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Madre Neoplásicas/patología , Fenotipo , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/genética , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/metabolismo , Interferencia de ARN , Receptor Tipo I de Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta , Receptores de Factores de Crecimiento Transformadores beta/genética , Receptores de Factores de Crecimiento Transformadores beta/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal , Factores de Tiempo , Transcriptoma , Transfección , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Resminostat, a novel class I, IIb, and IV histone deacetylase inhibitor, was studied in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after relapse to sorafenib (SHELTER study). In this phase I/II clinical trial, combination of sorafenib and resminostat was safe and showed early signs of efficacy. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this synergism have not been explored yet. In this work, we aimed to analyze whether resminostat regulates epithelial-mesenchymal and stemness phenotype as a mechanism of sensitization to sorafenib. Three HCC cell lines with differences in their epithelial/mesenchymal characteristics were treated with resminostat and sorafenib alone, or in combination. Resminostat prevented growth and induced cell death in the HCC cells, in a time and dose dependent manner. A collaborative effect between resminostat and sorafenib was detected in the mesenchymal HCC cells, which were insensitive to sorafenib-induced apoptosis. Expression of mesenchymal-related genes was decreased in resminostat-treated HCC cells, concomitant with an increase in epithelial-related gene expression, organized tight junctions and reduced invasive growth. Moreover, resminostat down-regulated CD44 expression, coincident with decreased capacity to form colonies at low cell density. CONCLUSION: Resminostat shifts mesenchymal cells towards a more epithelial phenotype, lower invasive and stemness properties, which may contribute to the sensitization to sorafenib-induced apoptosis.
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TGF-ß1 is a major player in chronic liver diseases promoting fibrogenesis and tumorigenesis through various mechanisms. The expression and function of TGF-ß2 have not been investigated thoroughly in liver disease to date. In this paper, we provide evidence that TGF-ß2 expression correlates with fibrogenesis and liver cancer development.Using quantitative realtime PCR and ELISA, we show that TGF-ß2 mRNA expression and secretion increased in murine HSCs and hepatocytes over time in culture and were found in the human-derived HSC cell line LX-2. TGF-ß2 stimulation of the LX-2 cells led to upregulation of the TGF-ß receptors 1, 2, and 3, whereas TGF-ß1 treatment did not alter or decrease their expression. In liver regeneration and fibrosis upon CCl4 challenge, the transient increase of TGF-ß2 expression was accompanied by TGF-ß1 and collagen expression. In bile duct ligation-induced fibrosis, TGF-ß2 upregulation correlated with fibrotic markers and was more prominent than TGF-ß1 expression. Accordingly, MDR2-KO mice showed significant TGF-ß2 upregulation within 3 to 15 months but minor TGF-ß1 expression changes. In 5 of 8 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)/hepatoblastoma cell lines, relatively high TGF-ß2 expression and secretion were observed, with some cell lines even secreting more TGF-ß2 than TGF-ß1. TGF-ß2 was also upregulated in tumors of TGFα/cMyc and DEN-treated mice. The analysis of publically available microarray data of 13 human HCC collectives revealed considerable upregulation of TGF-ß2 as compared to normal liver.Our study demonstrates upregulation of TGF-ß2 in liver disease and suggests TGF-ß2 as a promising therapeutic target for tackling fibrosis and HCC.
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Hepatopatías/genética , Neoplasias Hepáticas/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta2/genética , Animales , Línea Celular , Línea Celular Tumoral , Células Cultivadas , Femenino , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Células Hep G2 , Células Estrelladas Hepáticas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Estrelladas Hepáticas/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Humanos , Hepatopatías/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Receptores de Factores de Crecimiento Transformadores beta/genética , Receptores de Factores de Crecimiento Transformadores beta/metabolismo , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/farmacología , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta2/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta2/farmacologíaRESUMEN
UNLABELLED: Different data support a role for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway during liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis. However, important issues, such as the precise mechanisms mediating its actions and the unique versus redundant functions, have not been fully defined. Here, we present a novel transgenic mouse model expressing a hepatocyte-specific truncated form of human EGFR, which acts as negative dominant mutant (ΔEGFR) and allows definition of its tyrosine kinase-dependent functions. Results indicate a critical role for EGFR catalytic activity during the early stages of liver regeneration. Thus, after two-thirds partial hepatectomy, ΔEGFR livers displayed lower and delayed proliferation and lower activation of proliferative signals, which correlated with overactivation of the transforming growth factor-ß pathway. Altered regenerative response was associated with amplification of cytostatic effects of transforming growth factor-ß through induction of cell cycle negative regulators. Interestingly, lipid synthesis was severely inhibited in ΔEGFR livers after partial hepatectomy, revealing a new function for EGFR kinase activity as a lipid metabolism regulator in regenerating hepatocytes. In spite of these profound alterations, ΔEGFR livers were able to recover liver mass by overactivating compensatory signals, such as c-Met. Our results also indicate that EGFR catalytic activity is critical in the early preneoplastic stages of the liver because ΔEGFR mice showed a delay in the appearance of diethyl-nitrosamine-induced tumors, which correlated with decreased proliferation and delay in the diethyl-nitrosamine-induced inflammatory process. CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrate that EGFR catalytic activity is critical during the initial phases of both liver regeneration and carcinogenesis and provide key mechanistic insights into how this kinase acts to regulate liver pathophysiology. (Hepatology 2016;63:604-619).
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Carcinogénesis , Receptores ErbB/fisiología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/etiología , Regeneración Hepática/fisiología , Animales , Catálisis , Humanos , Masculino , RatonesRESUMEN
Liver fibrosis is a pathological consequence of chronic liver diseases and results from the progressive accumulation of altered extracellular matrix, highly enriched in type I and III fibrillar collagens. In advanced stages, fibrosis leads to cirrhosis, defined by abnormal liver architecture and altered vascularization. Clinical consequences of cirrhosis are failure in the synthetic function of the liver, portal hypertension, high susceptibility to infection and high risk to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The TGF-ß family of cytokines plays essential roles in many cellular processes, including growth inhibition, cell migration and invasion, extracellular matrix remodelling and immune suppression, being involved in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. However, TGF-ßs are often continuously overexpressed in disease states, such as fibrosis, inflammation and cancer, and they play pivotal roles in the sequence of events leading to end-stage of chronic liver diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critical intermediates in liver physiology and pathology. When the equilibrium between ROS generation and the antioxidant defence of the cell is disrupted, it results in an oxidative stress process. The NADPH oxidase (NOX) family has emerged in the last years as important source of ROS in liver pathologies. Interestingly, NOXes mediate TGF-ß actions in liver cells, such as regulation of hepatocyte growth and death, as well as activation of hepatic stellate cells to myofibroblasts, key executers of the fibrotic process. In this review we will update the relevant and differential roles of NOX isoforms during liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, their cross-talk with the TGF-ß pathway and their potential as therapeutic targets for these diseases.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Cirrosis Hepática/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , NADPH Oxidasas/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Animales , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Humanos , Cirrosis Hepática/patología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismoRESUMEN
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells with a mesenchymal phenotype show an asymmetric subcellular distribution of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is required for cell migration and invasion. In this work we examine the mechanisms that regulate the intracellular trafficking of CXCR4 in HCC cells. Results indicate that HCC cells present CXCR4 at the cell surface, but most of this protein is in endomembranes colocalizing with markers of the Golgi apparatus and recycling endosomes. The presence of high protein levels of CXCR4 present at the cell surface correlates with a mesenchymal-like phenotype and a high autocrine activation of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-ß) pathway. CXCR4 traffics along the Golgi/exocyst/plasma membrane pathway and requires EXOC4 (Sec8) component of the exocyst complex. HCC cells use distinct mechanisms for the CXCR4 internalization such as dynamin-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis. Regardless of the endocytic mechanisms, colocalization of CXCR4 and Rab11 is observed, which could be involved not only in receptor recycling but also in its post-Golgi transport. In summary, this work highlights membrane trafficking pathways whose pharmacological targeting could subsequently result in the inactivation of one of the main guiding mechanisms used by metastatic cells to colonize secondary organs and tissues.
Asunto(s)
Carcinoma Hepatocelular/metabolismo , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Receptores CXCR4/metabolismo , Brefeldino A/farmacología , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/patología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Membrana Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Quimiocina CXCL12/farmacología , Aparato de Golgi/metabolismo , Proteínas Fluorescentes Verdes/metabolismo , Humanos , Espacio Intracelular/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Pinocitosis/efectos de los fármacos , Transporte de Proteínas/efectos de los fármacos , Fracciones Subcelulares/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte Vesicular/metabolismoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Marfan's syndrome is characterized by the formation of ascending aortic aneurysms resulting from altered assembly of extracellular matrix microfibrils and chronic tissue growth factor (TGF)-ß signaling. TGF-ß is a potent regulator of the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype. We hypothesized that as a result of the chronic TGF-ß signaling, VSMC would alter their basal differentiation phenotype, which could facilitate the formation of aneurysms. This study explores whether Marfan's syndrome entails phenotypic alterations of VSMC and possible mechanisms at the subcellular level. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Immunohistochemical and Western blotting analyses of dilated aortas from Marfan patients showed overexpression of contractile protein markers (α-smooth muscle actin, smoothelin, smooth muscle protein 22 alpha, and calponin-1) and collagen I in comparison with healthy aortas. VSMC explanted from Marfan aortic aneurysms showed increased in vitro expression of these phenotypic markers and also of myocardin, a transcription factor essential for VSMC-specific differentiation. These alterations were generally reduced after pharmacological inhibition of the TGF-ß pathway. Marfan VSMC in culture showed more robust actin stress fibers and enhanced RhoA-GTP levels, which was accompanied by increased focal adhesion components and higher nuclear localization of myosin-related transcription factor A. Marfan VSMC and extracellular matrix measured by atomic force microscopy were both stiffer than their respective controls. CONCLUSIONS: In Marfan VSMC, both in tissue and in culture, there are variable TGF-ß-dependent phenotypic changes affecting contractile proteins and collagen I, leading to greater cellular and extracellular matrix stiffness. Altogether, these alterations may contribute to the known aortic rigidity that precedes or accompanies Marfan's syndrome aneurysm formation.
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Aneurisma de la Aorta/etiología , Diferenciación Celular , Síndrome de Marfan/complicaciones , Músculo Liso Vascular/metabolismo , Miocitos del Músculo Liso/metabolismo , Actinas/metabolismo , Aorta/metabolismo , Aorta/patología , Aneurisma de la Aorta/metabolismo , Aneurisma de la Aorta/patología , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Proteínas de Unión al Calcio/metabolismo , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Línea Celular Tumoral , Colágeno Tipo I/metabolismo , Proteínas del Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Dilatación Patológica , Adhesiones Focales/metabolismo , Humanos , Síndrome de Marfan/metabolismo , Síndrome de Marfan/patología , Proteínas de Microfilamentos/metabolismo , Proteínas Musculares/metabolismo , Músculo Liso Vascular/patología , Miocitos del Músculo Liso/patología , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Fenotipo , Transducción de Señal , Fibras de Estrés/metabolismo , Transactivadores/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Remodelación Vascular , Proteína de Unión al GTP rhoA/metabolismo , CalponinasRESUMEN
The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib is the only effective drug in advanced cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, response differs among patients and effectiveness only implies a delay. We have recently described that sorafenib sensitizes HCC cells to apoptosis. In this work, we have explored the response to this drug of six different liver tumor cell lines to define a phenotypic signature that may predict lack of response in HCC patients. Results have indicated that liver tumor cells that show a mesenchymal-like phenotype, resistance to the suppressor effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and high expression of the stem cell marker CD44 were refractory to sorafenib-induced cell death in in vitro studies, which correlated with lack of response to sorafenib in nude mice xenograft models of human HCC. In contrast, epithelial-like cells expressing the stem-related proteins EpCAM or CD133 were sensitive to sorafenib-induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. A cross-talk between the TGF-ß pathway and the acquisition of a mesenchymal-like phenotype with up-regulation of CD44 expression was found in the HCC cell lines. Targeted CD44 knock-down in the mesenchymal-like cells indicated that CD44 plays an active role in protecting HCC cells from sorafenib-induced apoptosis. However, CD44 effect requires a TGF-ß-induced mesenchymal background, since the only overexpression of CD44 in epithelial-like HCC cells is not sufficient to impair sorafenib-induced cell death. In conclusion, a mesenchymal profile and expression of CD44, linked to activation of the TGF-ß pathway, may predict lack of response to sorafenib in HCC patients.